Sewer / Consent Decree project history

The Department of Public Works is responsible for operation, maintenance and major upgrades of wastewater collection systems and treatment plants in the City of Baltimore. Our wastewater collection system is made up of:

• Approximately 1400 miles of sewer pipe
• 4000 manholes
• 250,000 sewer house connections
• 10 pumping stations
• 2 wastewater treatment plants

In 2002, the City of Baltimore entered into a Consent Decree with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE). A Consent Decree is an agreement made in court by the parties to resolve a legal dispute in a fair and impartial way. The Consent Decree enables the City to work on and improve sewer system problems over a 15-year period. 

Sanitary Sewer Consent Decree Program
Sanitary Sewer Consent Decree Project History

Water project history

The City of Baltimore supplies drinking water to 1.8 million people in the Baltimore Metropolitan Area and maintains 3,800 miles of water mains, 67,500 valves and 23,000 fire hydrants. Many of our water mains are over 80 years old. The City is actively fixing or replacing water mains in many neighborhoods. 

Water Main Replacement Program FAQs
Water Project History

Environmental restoration / stormwater project history

The Baltimore City Department of Public Works (DPW) is required to install Best Management Practices (BMPs) that reduce and treat stormwater entering our waterways. This is specified though our federal Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) Permit. 

We are also responsible for repair, maintenance and major improvements to the storm drain system.

Stormwater Project History
Stormwater Management

Questions or concerns?

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